Cabinet Reshuffle: Acuzar Reassigned, Frasco Gains Support, Angara Backed for Stability
Jose Rizalino Acuzar has been reassigned as the Presidential Adviser on Pasig River Development while retaining the rank of Secretary. In a press briefing on Friday, May 23, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin clarified that there were no corruption allegations against Acuzar. However, the move may have been prompted by what he called "under delivery" on the ambitious target of building one million socialized housing units annually under the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program.
Acuzar acknowledged in a statement that the program faced several implementation challenges, though he emphasized its continued importance to the administration’s agenda.
In contrast, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco received widespread support from tourism stakeholders after stepping down in compliance with President Marcos’ directive. Groups including the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), National Association of Independent Travel Agencies (NAITAS), and the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) voiced strong support for her leadership.
NAITAS President Florence Rivera defended Frasco’s performance, saying she had been “clearly doing the work and delivering results” and deserved to continue despite political controversies. Frasco, a former mayor of Liloan, Cebu, and former spokesperson for then-Davao City Vice Mayor Sara Duterte, was credited by PATA for launching initiatives such as the Philippine Experience Program and developing Tourist Rest Areas across the country. ATOP also praised her “tireless dedication” and “visionary leadership” in advancing inclusive and sustainable tourism.
Meanwhile, the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) expressed support for retaining Education Secretary Sonny Angara. The group commended his swift and effective response to the challenges confronting the education sector and stressed the urgent need for stability within the Department of Education.
“Education is the cornerstone of democracy, fostering informed and responsible citizens,” CEAP stated. “It is therefore essential that the sector remains shielded from political interference, especially in these trying times.”
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